One year marks the start of our kitchen transformation journey, beginning around this time last year during spring cleaning. Those who have followed Bildirimlerim since the start have seen this unfold in real time, but this post is for newcomers to explore our past.
Affordable Kitchen Renovation
The Goal of Our Kitchen Redesign
Our renovation aims had two parts: enhancing usability and incorporating {Our} unique style
Allow me to present:
Upon moving in, we quickly noticed the refrigerator positioned at the end of the wall was not performing optimally
and the entire opposing wall, which was unused, felt like a waste. {We temporarily placed a free standing counter there.}
The Initial Kitchen State
There is a period missing from my photos because I hadn't started blogging yet! So, please visualize this sequence:
- moving the fridge to a different area of the room
- securing lovely lower cabinets for a bargain at our local reStore
- painting the whole kitchen Dill Pickle Green
This was our initial refresh. At that stage, the space appeared like this:
It was an improvement, yet functional issues remained. The primary problem was my inability to reach the upper cabinets! They were mounted too high; I could only access the lowest shelf. {And yes, at 5 foot 2, I am admittedly petite!} Resolving this led to a completely different appearance…
What Our Budget Friendly Kitchen Remodel Included
Here are the key changes:
Every upper cabinet was taken down:
The previously neglected corner became both a functional message hub and a spot for cherished decorations:
The upper cabinets were lowered, an additional shelf and crown moulding were incorporated, and the doors were left detached.
The wall opposite received beadboard wallpaper, and the missing cupboard doors were fitted with “fabric doors” :
The Expense of Our Kitchen Remodel
Each renovation is distinct to its owner. Our choices were driven mostly by our tight budget {we had limited funds}, and the fact that we do not own the property. Thus, we challenged ourselves to reuse and repurpose existing items. Ultimately, the total renovation expenditure was $159.00. {Indeed, one HUNDRED ~ not thousand! ~ fifty nine.} A small sum yielding a major transformation. I adore this.
I strongly believe in “utilizing what you possess and cherishing what you use”. A fresh look in a room does not always demand significant money… just some effort and creativity. Do not let a lack of funds prevent you from creating a space that feels and operates perfectly for you.
{To view a complete record of all kitchen projects, click here for the kitchen remodel before and after. The updated wall hue is Designer Gray from General Paint.}
Explore additional Small Kitchen Remodel concepts here:
- Discover Small Kitchen Remodel Ideas that are affordable, featuring our townhouse kitchen.
- Learn about DIY kitchen pendant lights.
- Find guidance on organizing cupboards in a small kitchen.
- See 8 striking room makeovers achieved for less than $200.
Access a complimentary Budget Friendly Room Makeover Course.
If you wish to tackle a budget room makeover without knowing where to begin, I developed a free guide outlining the 5 essential elements of a room makeover, which you can customize to achieve a space you truly adore.
